In a compelling submission to the United States Department of Justice, the Ohio Association of Security & Investigation Services (OASIS), represented by General Counsel Emeritus Michael R. Moran, has made a powerful case for reinstating a federal program to restore gun rights for individuals with past convictions. The brief, titled “Comments of OASIS,” addresses the Interim Final Rule (IFR) concerning the withdrawal of the Attorney General’s delegation of authority and highlights the urgent need for a federal mechanism to correct what Moran describes as a “travesty of justice and constitutional crisis.” The full document can be accessed here.
The OASIS brief underscores the disparities in current federal and state laws that perpetually strip certain individuals of their Second Amendment rights, even after they have served their sentences and reintegrated into society. Moran, a seasoned attorney with over 35 years of experience in law enforcement, private security, and firearms instruction, argues that the absence of a federal restoration process creates significant gaps, leading to unfair outcomes. He points to Ohio’s restoration process, which is discretionary, burdensome, and often skewed against applicants, particularly for non-violent or misdemeanor offenses.
The brief provides vivid examples to illustrate these inequities. One case involves an 18-year-old who committed a non-violent burglary, served his sentence, and lived a law-abiding life for 40 years, yet faced resistance from prosecutors when seeking to restore his gun rights. Another case highlights the plight of a man convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense in 1980, who, due to the 1996 Lautenberg Amendment, remains permanently barred from owning firearms despite Ohio law not imposing such a restriction. These stories underscore the brief’s central argument: a federal restoration program is essential to provide a fair and consistent “safety valve” for individuals who have paid their debt to society.
Moran’s submission also emphasizes the practical implications of restoring gun rights, particularly for private security professionals. Citing data from Private Security and the Law by Charles P. Nemeth, the brief notes that the private security sector plays a critical role in crime prevention, with 70% of crime prevention funding coming from private sources and private security personnel outnumbering public law enforcement by nearly three to one. In Columbus, Ohio, armed security officers earn significantly more than their unarmed counterparts—a 30% wage difference that could transform lives if former offenders were allowed to petition for restoration.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the OASIS brief is its kind and respectful reference to Attorneys Jason Davis of the Davis Law Firm, Adam Kraut, and Donald E.J. Kilmer. In a footnote citing comment letters by these three attorneys, Moran acknowledges their work with exceptional warmth, stating:
“We also incorporate by reference and cite with approval the Comments of the Second Amendment Foundation (“SAF”) and National Rifle Association of America (“NRA”) filed on this docket on June 17, 2025 and the Comments of Jason Davis, Esq. and Donald E.J. Kilmer, Esq. filed on this docket on April 7, 2025. We do this in the interest of economy as we do not need to repeat the articulate arguments made by the talented gun lawyers who filed these aforementioned Comments.”
This gracious nod not only highlights the collaborative nature of Second Amendment advocacy but also underscores the deep respect within the legal community for Davis, Kraut, and Kilmer’s efforts in advancing gun rights. The Davis Law Firm likewise extends its heartfelt gratitude to Michael R. Moran for his outstanding work and dedication in advocating for gun rights restoration.
The OASIS brief is a clarion call for reform, urging the Department of Justice to establish a federal restoration program that aligns with principles of fairness, reentry, and constitutional rights. By addressing systemic inequities and advocating for practical solutions, Moran’s submission makes a compelling case for change. Equally compelling is the brief’s acknowledgment of Jason Davis, Adam Kraut, and David Kilmer, whose contributions to Second Amendment law are celebrated with a rare and heartfelt commendation. For more information about OASIS, visit https://ohoasis.com.
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